HVAC Controller Configuration Using Automatic Point Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring HVAC systems is a time-consuming and error-prone process due to the need to define properties for numerous individual components, requiring an improved method for designing and configuring these systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Specifier Library within an engineering tool that accepts user selections for HVAC components, generates options based on set rules, and creates configuration packages to automatically populate point parameter values, thereby streamlining the configuration process and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of HVAC components is performed, then customization and control over each component property is achieved, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining component properties, parameters, and relationships in a database before the actual configuration process. The system stores standardized component definitions, point structures, and configuration templates that are automatically retrieved and applied during system setup, eliminating the need to manually create each component from scratch and significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining consistency and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating reusable component templates and configuration patterns that can be instantiated multiple times throughout the HVAC system. Once a component type is defined with its properties and parameters, it can be copied and deployed across numerous instances, ensuring uniformity and reducing the time required to configure similar components while allowing customization through parameter variation
2Reliability
If manual configuration of HVAC components is performed, then detailed control over component properties is achieved, but error rate increases due to the complex and time-consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces configuration complexity through preliminary action by pre-structuring component definitions, point hierarchies, and parameter relationships in a standardized database format. This preliminary organization allows the system to automatically guide users through configuration steps, validate inputs against predefined schemas, and ensure consistency across the system, thereby reducing errors while maintaining the ability to handle complex HVAC configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically validate user inputs against predefined component specifications and system requirements. The system provides real-time feedback on configuration correctness, alerts users to potential errors or inconsistencies, and guides them through proper configuration procedures, thereby reducing error rates while managing the complexity of HVAC system configuration through structured guidance and validation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring an HVAC system uses a Specifier Library that includes specifier options for a plurality of HVAC components. An engineering tool accepts a user selection of an HVAC component that will be part of the HVAC system and displays one or more options for the selected HVAC component. The engineering tool accepts selections of one or more options by the user and creates one or more points for the selected HVAC component based on the user selections, each of the one or more points having one or more point parameter values. The engineering tool creates a configuration package to configure a controller based at least in part on the user selections and the one or more points and downloads the configuration package to at least partially configure the controller. At least part of the HVAC system is controlled using the controller.